Major League Baseball. That must be a four-letter word around the Fox entertainment division. The MLB Playoffs, which are excellent for promoting the upcoming fall lineup, delay the majority of the Fox season until the last week in October. People have already programmed their TiVos and have been set in their viewing patterns for a month -- it'll take some doing to change that. Another issue, if you're like me and watch just about every game of the playoffs, by the time the second round comes along, you don't ever want to watch any show Fox is promoting just because you're sick of their now-annoying promos. It's a very fine line.They've done a lot of slot swapping -- 9 shows are in new slots this year and have four new sitcoms with two new dramas. They've decided to double-run "Joe Millionaire" Monday and Tuesday, a la "American Idol". I can understand why, but, um, look at your title to realize that oversaturation doesn't work. Not that it was his fault at all, but, um call Regis, ask him.
They're using Sunday to launch two of the new coms between the established uberhit of "The Simpsons" and "Malcolm in the Middle." "Boston Public" moves to Friday while "Millionaire" tries to recreate the magic while driving viewers to "Skin." They intended to do the same on Tuesday with the "Millionaire"/"24" combo. A retooled Wednesday serves to launch the new Norm MacDonald vehicle, "A Minute With Stan Hooper." We'll see how long that lasts.
Thursday is the big wildcard since it's all new with "Tru Calling" and the already proven (at least for summer Tuesdays) "The O.C." Friday brings "Wanda at Large" back for a full season while trying to bridge to "Boston Public" with "Luis." I'm not getting on that bridge. Saturday for Fox stays exactly the same.
I'd like to say they are poised for a breakout season, but I think the "Millionaire" hit isn't going to be quite as big as last time. At least until January when "American Idol" returns, Fox is generally going to be flat.
